The Mercury's Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for January 19-25

"The word "January" developed from the Latin word Ianuarius or "Janus," referring to an ancient Roman diety associated with beginnings, transitions, and passageways. In other words, January is about deciding how you want to walk through the door. So, let's get to it. If you have the day off work on January 19, why not use it to volunteer? You'll find one such opportunity below, plus other events worth your attention: the Portland Fine Print Fair, the release of a rock-climbing novel, and a handful of repertory film screenings to hold you down while winter does its thing. Lessgo!"

"Todd Field's masterpiece Tár follows the fall of fictional problematic fav Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) as she tries to egomaniacal-genius-conductor her way out of one controversy, only to land in another. Tár also capped a 16-year hiatus between film releases for Field ( In the Bedroom, Little Children), who we would build monuments to even if he weren't a local director, but he is. Come for the sensual and charismatic portrait of power; stay for Blanchett's original accordion composition, " Apartment for Sale." ( Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton, 7 pm, $10, , R) SUZETTE SMITH"

"Swinging's mix of shoegaze-esque fuzz and natural field recordings made the Portland band's debut, My Bed is a Boat, one of 2025's most lush and cacophonous albums. Vale's lyrics are diaristic and vulnerable, often delivered in straightforward language that evokes a kind of Artist's Way, morning-pages intimacy. ( Read the rest of our review at the Mercury.) They're a fitting opener for Crushed, whose video game influence is contained mostly in their album titles ( extra life and no scope). Beyond those titles, the duo's dream pop is electronic-inflected, experimental, and full of dreamy atmosphere. (Polaris Hall, 635 N Killingsworth,"

January traces to Latin Ianuarius and the Roman deity Janus, symbolizing beginnings, transitions, and passageways. January encourages decisions about how to enter new phases. January 19, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is suggested as an occasion for volunteering. Local cultural offerings include the Portland Fine Print Fair, the release of a rock-climbing novel, repertory film screenings, and live music. Todd Field's Tár portrays the fall of fictional conductor Lydia Tár and features Cate Blanchett and an original accordion composition titled "Apartment for Sale." Portland bands Crushed and Swinging deliver lush, experimental dream pop and shoegaze-inflected sounds.

Read at Portland Mercury